 After getting thumped at Sydney, India's task only gets more difficult when they
head to Perth. Australia, meanwhile, are enjoying a comfortable time putting
in clinical performances match after match.
India could not have expected a worse start to their New Year than the innings
defeat in the second test - their sixth consecutive overseas. Problems were abound
after getting all out for 191, having won the toss. Second time round, they did
manage to score their first 400-score in over a dozen overseas innings. However,
in between the two, their bowlers toiled in the field for 163 overs as Australian
batsmen piled on the runs with no end in sight.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs India
Captain MS Dhoni has made no excuses for the appalling performance and vows to
put up an improved showing at Perth. Questions are being raised about their stalwart
but ageing batting line-up with former players calling for axing, starting with
VVS Laxman.
About Rahul Dravid as well, the nickname 'The Wall' has changed to 'The Wall,
with a gate'. Sachin Tendulkar's fairytale 100th century is yet to happen and
even the fans are beginning to speculate less and less about it. The only bright
spot has been the fact that Zaheer Khan has eventually made it to the
third test on a tour Down Under, following two failed attempts on previous tours.
Australia are beginning to repose themselves as the force they have been over
the past decade. Captain Michael Clarke's triple-century is set to fetch him a
new million-dollar deal for his bat sticker. In addition, Ricky Ponting's return
to form would silence his critics for a while.
Moreover, Michael Hussey will look to carry his dominating form to his
home ground. Off the field, Brad Haddin has delivered a verbal dose at
his opponents, saying in tough times the Indian players start fighting within
themselves. This is in addition to reports in an Australian newspaper citing
groupings within the Indian squad. In reply, Zaheer Khan has asked Haddin to
focus on his own glovework, where the latter has dropped two catches so far.
The WACA in Perth is traditionally renowned for supporting the pace bowlers. India won the test match here on their last tour.
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